2

PREVIOUS LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENTS AND STUDY METHODS PREVIOUS LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENTS AND STUDY METHODS

PREVIOUS LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENTS - PREVIOUS LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENTS AND STUDY METHODS 2.0

STUDY METHODS in the later NCA. The principle character areas 2.1 from the 96/97 work were noted as being broadly 2.1.1 The 1996 AONB and 1997 Landscape Assessment compatible with the regional character areas. Eight of Mendip District studies were undertaken following of these areas overlap with the MDC area. the relevant guidance of the time provided by the Countryside Commission (predecessor to Natural 2.1.5 Other landscape assessments undertaken within ) dating from 1993. The work included the district include the Fringes of Mendip’s Towns a literature review, site visits mapping of physical 1996 and the districts internal Assessment of Special features and designations followed by more extensive Landscape Features (November 2012). [2.4] field work. 2.1.6 The fuller National Landscape Character Profiles for

2.1.2 The analysis work included identification of landscape each of the eight areas that overlap the district were types at 1:25,000 scale based on physical attributes then published in 2014 [2.1] These include; such as landform, geology, vegetation and settlement • The and overall visual qualities. From this work some areas such as the Mendip plateau were seen as • Bristol Avon Valleys and Ridges distinct homogenous units but others were deemed to complex with overlapping mosaics of land use and • The Cotswolds settlement pattern. Although a map was prepared It was concluded it was not helpful in describing and • Avon Valleys analysing the landscape any further. • Blackmoor Vale and the Vale of Wardour

2.1.3 The work then concentrated on the identification of • The Scarplands the landscape character areas. These were defined as a series of broad-scale principle character areas • The Mid Hills and the with subdivisions at a smaller scale. The areas were mapped at 1:50,000 scale but not GIS digitised. • and Moors

2.1.4 At around the same time the Countryside Commission produced the Character Programme classification of the English landscape into regional character areas. This was the early forerunner to the 2014 National Landscape Character Areas project. The broad character areas identified in this region are essentially the same, but with more detail provided

10 |  | PREVIOUS LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENTS AND STUDY METHODS

2.1.7 These still generally correlate with the 1996 principle character areas. Two subtle differences are noted in relation to the coverage. Around Frome the NCA has a split between the Avon Vales that extend into Wiltshire and the Blackmoor Vale that extends into South Somerset. In the 1996 assessment (and this study) the area is treated as one following the River Frome catchment to the north east corner of the district (LCA areas B1 – B3 Section 6.3). West of Wells a line of small hills at the foot of the Mendip scarp is on the boundary between the NCA Mendip and Levels Areas. As the area is distinct from both these wider landscapes it is identified within the 1996 study (and again here) as a separate principle character area, the Wookey Islands (LCA areas G1 – G3 Section 6.8).

11 |  | PREVIOUS LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENTS AND STUDY METHODS

Landscape character assessments are useful for STUDY APPROACH “Our landscapes vary because of, amongst other variables, 2.2.4 2.2 their underlying geology, soils, topography, land cover, providing a baseline of existing conditions against 2.2.1 The approach taken for this work follows the well- hydrology, historic and cultural development, and climatic which the impact of potential development may be established best practice guidance. This is in the considerations. The combination of characteristics arising measured against. However, character alone does form of two main publications; from these physical and socio economic influences, and not fully cover how areas may be used, seen or their often complex interrelationships, makes one landscape otherwise valued. • Landscape Character Assessment guidance for different from another. Landscape character may be defined England and Scotland. Published jointly by as a distinct and recognisable pattern of elements, or 2.2.5 While the complexities of geology or history may the Countryside Agency (now NE) and Scottish characteristics, in the landscape that make one landscape be directly connected to appreciable aspects of Natural Heritage in 2002 [2.5] different from another, rather than better or worse. Landscape modern landscapes there may be circumstance where such added interest may not be that apparent • An Approach to Landscape Character Assessment. Character Assessment (LCA) is the process of identifying but once understood add greatly to the interest Published by in 2014 [2.6] and describing variation in the character of the landscape. It seeks to identify and explain the unique combination of or perceived value of a place. The demand for access to recreational green space means that some 2.2.2 The later guidance cross refers to the earlier document elements and features (characteristics) that make landscapes and both remain current. distinctive (Fig. 1*. What is Landscape?). This process results in the production of a Landscape Character Assessment. 2.2.3 The basic premise of these recommendations is for assessments to gain an understanding of the character The Landscape Character Assessment process is used of the landscape across broad areas rather than increasingly to inform urban, or townscape, assessments, simply focus on issues of quality and designations. and Seascape Character Assessments. The scope of the The 2014 guide includes a helpful explanation of ELC applies to natural, rural, urban and peri-urban areas landscape character and the assessment process. and includes land, inland water and marine areas. As the European Landscape Convention acknowledges, “the landscape is an important part of the quality of life for people everywhere: in urban areas and in the countryside, in degraded areas as well as in areas of high quality, in areas recognised as being of outstanding beauty as well as everyday areas.”

All landscapes matter to someone. By setting down a robust, auditable and transparent, baseline Landscape Character Assessment can not only help us to understand our landscapes, it can also assist in informing judgements and decisions concerning the management of change. The involvement of people in the process of LCA is key. Both communities of place and communities of interest must be engaged in LCA.” [2.6] What is Landscape - Graphic Extracted from Natural England’s Approach to Landscape Character Assessment Oct 2014 [* Refers to the NE Wheel of Landscape / Ecosystem Services approach – reproduced here]

12 |  | PREVIOUS LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENTS AND STUDY METHODS

PROJECT STAGES consider ways in which the assessment could be made areas of quite nondescript character may be highly 2.3 valued simply by virtue of the access to the outdoors. accessible and engaging for the public. Mapping of individual character areas can include 2.3.1 Following the guidance the project adopted four some reference to the availability of views and main work stages. 2.3.5 The agreed brief and detailed methodology was set distant landmarks; but this can add another layer out and agreed with the Commissioning Officers Stage 1 Brief, Purpose and scope of complexity over whether the view is from a public (Appendix 1). place and if it encompasses the landscape of other In the preparation for this study the project brief Stage 2 Desk study 2.3.2 character areas. was reviewed, and discussion held over the benefits of either an update or an entirely new landscape 2.3.6 This stage involved the review of existing assessments 2.2.6 The availability and sensitivity of views is generally assessment. The individual character areas were including the National Character Areas work and considered as a separate exercise from landscape scanned and imported into GIS and overlaid on those of the neighbouring authority areas. An and landscape character impact assessments (note larger scale maps. The previous work was reviewed in understanding of the wider context of the district was the Mendip AONB Management Plan lists views as relation to the latest guidance from Natural England drawn together along with mapping of the different one of the special qualities of the AONB although this [2.6]. From this it was agreed that the previous layers of available GIS data sets. These included was not a specific topic coved in the 1996 LCA study. character area boundaries were an appropriate the Local Plan designations. A background review Also, the process of characterisation of landscape starting point and the work would concentrate on of reference material on the history and ecological down into distinct areas may lead to a degree of adding more detail rather than a full review of interest was undertaken; along with research into compartmentalisation and reduce the appreciation precise areas. Where obvious discrepancies were cultural influences and other forms of landscape of the value of an area as a collection or as a whole. found these would be adjusted and the order and related events and activities.

2.2.7 In order to provide a full response to the ‘Valued area names would be updated as appropriate. The 2.3.7 During this stage the extent of renewable energy Landscape’ issues raised within the MDC brief, this consistency of the overall boundaries of the principle schemes undertaken in recent years was mapped assessment includes reference to these wider points character areas with the National Character NCA and locations / extents tabulated. The location, alongside the main character assessment. areas assisted in this respect. A comparison between interest and accessibility of all the district’s Special the 1997 and updated boundaries is provided on Landscape Features (SLF), nature reserves, open the website link for this assessment. access land and accessible woodlands was logged

2.3.3 As the work has progressed some generally minor and where possible mapped. A data base of the adjustments to area boundaries has been done. In compiled information and GIS layers are included most instances this is more as a result of overlaying within the output from this study. the areas on larger scale more definitive mapping. 2.3.8 GIS Data sets mapping the general tranquillity and

2.3.4 The importance of public engagement with the extent of light pollution were obtained from the CPRE landscape assessment was discussed from the outset in order to relate these to the mapped character area. of the study. In the circumstance of an update to a In addition the distribution of historic landscapes long standing assessment it was considered more and scheduled ancient monuments (SAM) were productive to collate a comprehensive draft document downloaded from Historic England. SUSTRANS and use this as a vehicle for consultation. As a basic provided GIS data on the routes of the national objective for the study it was agreed the team would cycleway network and the rights of way data was also obtained.

13 |  | PREVIOUS LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENTS AND STUDY METHODS

.Stage 3 Field Survey Work or visual / audible intrusion was noted for each area Key views, viewpoints and landmarks were noted. 2.3.9 For this stage the district was broken down into a Within each character area the available network series of eight field work areas. These were loosely of public rights of way or other open access land based on the 1997 principle character areas but sized was reviewed with reference to mapped routes and to take account of the relative complexity / size of available access information. areas. Some overlap between the main areas was included to help review the respective boundaries. 2.3.13 Specific issues which may present threats to the future Field work was undertaken mainly on foot or cycle; condition of the landscape resource was considered. to properly experience areas. Some areas had to be As these were considered to be generic risks across explored by car with frequent stops and short walks many different areas the review of this aspect was to cover the ground. tabulated within its own section.

2.3.10 A standard proforma was used to record detail 2.3.14 The final out put of the study is compiled into this of the landscape composition, responses to the report but also provided in web format to allow perceived character and any sense of tranquillity, maximum access to the landscape assessment, isolation or remoteness. The areas were extensively findings and data. Wherever possible information photographed and images geotagged. is provided in a clear graphic style with high resolution mapping to allow ease of access for external use. Stage 4 Classification and Description The mapped outputs are also provided to the Council as GIS layers. 2.3.11 As the main field work progressed a district wide appraisal section of the study was compiled using the research from Stage 2 and understanding from field work. As this work progressed the connections between different parts of the district became more apparent and some common stories emerged. On completion of areas of field work the corresponding Landscape Character Area descriptions were set down.

2.3.12 For each area the basic physical description of the landscape was up dated from the previous text. For each the physical geography, vegetation pattern and habitat types, human land use and settlement patterns were described. These physical characteristics are described in objective terms followed by the more subjective and aesthetic / perceptual responses. The landscape condition and sense of unspoilt tranquility

14 |  | PREVIOUS LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENTS AND STUDY METHODS

2.4 REPORT FORMAT

2.4.1 The main report starts with an overview of the district in its wider context (Section 3). This considers the contrasting distribution of urbanisation within and outside of the MDC boundary and the interrelationships of the LCA areas across the administrative boundaries.

2.4.2 Section 4 titled Mendip by Numbers provides various figures and comparative areas. Provided in part to give an appreciation of the scale of different facets of the district. These can be read alongside the Database provided in Appendix 2. These figures provide a snapshot of key data that could inform a state of the environment assessment and can be REFERENCES FOR SECTIONS 1.0 AND 2.0 updated in future years as part of any monitoring of landscape change. [2.1] profiles published by Natural England – 2014 2.4.3 Section 5 provides the District Wide Appraisal. These set out an over view of various topics that relate to [2.2] NPPF the district as a whole. [2.3] Mendip Climate and Nature Emergency https://www.mendip.gov. 2.4.4 Section 6 is the main Landscape Character Areas uk/article/8648/Climate-Emergency-Declaration https://www. descriptions. Each principle character area is set out mendip.gov.uk/article/8342/Mendip-s-Climate-Emergency- in a section prefaced with maps of the sub divisions Council-plans-moving-forward-for-being-part-of-the-solution and the interface of the Mendip LCA’s with those of [2.4] Landscape Assessment of the Mendip Hills From Steep Holm the adjoining local authorities. to Frome - May 1996

2.4.5 Section 7 presents an analysis of the Valued Chris Blandford Associates https://www.mendip.gov.uk/ Landscapes topic within the district and sets out landscapeassessment1996 eight special characteristics of the district. [2.5] Landscape Character Assessment guidance for England and 2.4.6 Section 8 provides a summary of the key issues Scotland. Published jointly by the Countryside Agency (now facing the district and how these may be managed NE) and Scottish Natural Heritage in 2002 and monitored in the future. [2.6] An Approach to Landscape Character Assessment. Published 2.4.7 Finally, Section 9 deals with Policy, Strategy and by Natural England in 2014 Green Infrastructure

15 |  |